The Benefits and Challenges of Using Real-Time Data in the Classroom: Perspectives From the Students, Educators, and Researchers

Abstract

This note discusses the advantages of using real-time data (RTD) from the perspective of the student, educator, and researcher; our experience in the classroom and field using RTD; and a quick survey of the spectrum of RTD available to students. We also present some of the challenges sometimes associated with using RTD and offer strategies that could improve the use of RTD in the classroom. Our focus is on authentic aquatic data that stream in either real-time or near-real-time or are slightly dated and archived.